Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to take you through this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in F1, David Croft informs us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. It's improbable to interfere with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
